Behavioral training app for children with disruptive behavior
Randomized Controlled Trial of a Behavioral Training App
This study is testing a new app that helps children with behavior problems learn better ways to manage their actions by using a rewards system.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | New York University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06447909 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of a behavioral training app designed to help school-age children (ages 6-12) with significant behavioral problems. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the treatment app, which includes a self-directed rewards system for task completion, or a placebo app that mimics the user experience without the reward functionality. The study aims to assess the impact of this app on managing behaviors associated with conditions like ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders. The trial will involve 100 families and will maintain blinding to ensure unbiased results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6-12 with elevated behavioral issues as indicated by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, along with their English-speaking legal guardians.
Not a fit: Patients with emergency psychiatric needs that require more intensive services than those provided in this intervention may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this app could provide an effective tool for parents to manage and improve their children's behavioral challenges.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with behavioral interventions for children, suggesting that this approach may be effective, although the specific app-based method is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * the child must be between the ages of 6-12 at the time of baseline/pre-intervention data collection * the child must have an elevated score based on the strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) * the parent/caregiver must be a fluent English speaker * the parent/caregiver must be the legal guardians of and have full-time custody/child care responsibilities for their child (parents/caregiver with limited contact with their child will not have the opportunity to sufficiently use the app with their child) * the parent/caregiver must have reliable and stable mobile internet access * the parent/caregiver must use an Apple iOS operating system (the research version of the app will only be available in iOS) on their phone * the parent/caregiver and their child must reside in the United States. Exclusion Criteria: * the child or parent/caregiver presents with emergency psychiatric needs that require services beyond those that can be managed within this intervention format (e.g., hospitalization, specialized placement outside the home); In this case, an active intervention by research staff to secure what is needed will be made * if the child has an elevated score for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on the Developmental Behavior Checklist-Autism Screening Algorithm and the parent indicates that their child was diagnosed with autism or another pervasive developmental disorder; * if the parent/caregiver is currently enrolled or has recently enrolled in any type of behavioral therapy program (i.e., within the past six months) * the caregiver has used the Joon app in the past. If the child is currently taking medication, families that participate in the study will be asked to keep their child's medication status stable and report changes immediately to the project director. * Additionally, participants may be removed from the study if their child's symptoms worsen considerably such that the child requires more immediate professional intervention.
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- New York University — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anil Chacko, PhD — New York University
- Study coordinator: Anil Chacko, PhD
- Email: ac5489@nyu.edu
- Phone: (212) 998-5749
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.